News

TARC Will Offer Fare-Free Rides and Parking at Bardstown Road Aglow

November 11, 2026

Louisville, Ky. (November 10, 2026)— The Transit Authority of River City is partnering with the Highland Commerce Guild to offer fare-free rides (at the below selected stops) for the 41st annual Bardstown Road Aglow on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. along Route 1 in the Louisville Highlands neighborhood.

Visitors can park for free at Douglass Boulevard Christian Church and ride TARC Route 1 to regular stops throughout the Highlands during the event. Free commemorative tickets needed for the event are available at Douglass Boulevard Christian Church, and the following locations beginning December 5 along the event route:

  • Douglass Boulevard Christian Church
  • Purrfect Day Café
  • The Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe
  • Green District Salads
  • Clay & Cotton
  • Carmichael’s Bookstore
  • Ditto’s Grill
  • Baes Baekery
  • PG&J’s Dog Bar
  • Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m.

“TARC is happy to participate in Bardstown Road Aglow and help support businesses that fuel our local economy during one of the Highlands’ biggest events of the year,” said David Meckle, TARC Director of Marketing and Communications.

Organized by the Highland Commerce Guild, with support from Louisville Metro Councilman Ben Reno-Weber (District 8), the annual holiday event draws thousands of visitors for shopping and dining deals, festive lights and decorations, and family-friendly activities. Bardstown Road Aglow is traditionally the biggest commerce day of the year for highlands’ businesses.

“Bardstown Road Aglow is all about celebrating our local businesses and bringing the community together for the holidays,” said Aaron Givhan, president of the Highland Commerce Guild. “Partnering with TARC gives residents and visitors an easy, convenient way to explore the Highlands, shop locally and enjoy everything the event has to offer without worrying about parking along the corridor.”


Event Details

  • Free Parking and Ticket Pickup at Douglass Boulevard Christian Church and select businesses along the route
  • Tree Lighting Ceremony: Corner of Bardstown Road and Grinstead Drive, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
  • Fare-Free Bus Rides: Hop on and off at any 10 TARC stops with your commemorative TARC ticket, between Douglass Loop and Broadway along Bardstown Road.
  • Live Holiday Music: At multiple locations throughout the Highlands.
  • Special Discounts: Food, drinks, and merchandise at participating Highlands shops and restaurants.
  • Holiday Cocktail: Special holiday drinks featuring Maker’s Mark will be available for purchase at participating restaurants and bars, with proceeds supporting Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana.

Bardstown Road Aglow has been held on the first Saturday in December in the Highlands since 1985. The annual holiday celebration is supported by dozens of local businesses and neighborhood sponsors.